The wrong is that this should have been left until after the US and Australian elections. The whole scenario could change. This is bad.

nevi

Roberta

As Australians we need to set an example to the rest of the world and take this Free Trade deal. Sure we may lose a few billion in the deal, but this will cement out ties with the US so we can be on the winning side of the war against terrorism.

3U Economics student

'Disco Bourelly

Greg, a government operating a budget surplus doesn't equate with "running the economy". The latter is due to businesses doing their thing, under the (very broad) influence of RBA monetary policy. The former has been acheived by cutting services, an act for which we'll pay, in due course.

Phil H

I not one to question the any acts that should be in the best interest of the country. However it just brings a little concern for Australia to be up against the world of politics I dont think Australia has been really too concern with the growth of its department side of FTA.With only a population of only 20,000,000 and standard that is consided very respectful whats next on our wish list.

jdvesq

I can't believe how Pesimistic you people are. You seriously under-rate our country. We are one of the big guns in the World Economy and therefore we have unilateral agreements with our fellow World Superpowers such as the US, UK and a few European countries.

The reason the US had these Tarifs in the first place is because they are scared of our powerful booming economy eclipsing there economy but now they've learnt that by trading with us web can both be more powerful and show the rest of the world what it's all about.

The people that bag me just do so because they like Howard, Australia and Common sense bashing. They can't admit the truth that we are one of the most powerful countries with the greatest leader and probably greatest quality of life in teh World.

Rusty Crawford

Much of the manufactures produced by "American" companies are no longer produced in the US. Years of outsourcing their industry to cheaper labour countries have gutted the US manufacturing sector almost as much as the Australian one. Most PCs, TVs, assorted electronic goods, many cars, trucks, clothing, footwear and other things are no manufactured outside the US in Taiwan, South Korea, China and Mexico.

As I understand it none of these would be considered "made in USA" and so would not qualify for duty free import to Australia under the FTA (goods must be "substantially transformed" in the US to qualify) - so where's the gain for US manufacturers and the gain for Australian consumers? Zilch. Then for Australian farmers? Almost zilch.

David Shanahan

It is about economic advantage. Australia has the advantage in agriculture so that's out. America has the advantage in manufacturing and processed goods so that's in. Australia screwed again!

Thanks a bundle Johnny!!!

Greg

Cambo,

Well put, no complaints from the naysayers on that one. They also missed the one with China taking our manufacturing jobs and selling those goods back to us through all major department stores.

Selective memory loss sounds a little anti US and anti John Howard to me.

ben with a little b (in his bonnet)

As I see it this is the last stand of John Howard before being kicked out of office. Having given us the GST, an inhumane asylum seekers policy, and a murderous war on Iraq his final coup de grace is the deliver the Australian people lock stock and barrel to the US through the FTA. He has surely made his mark in Australian history as the most destructive Prime Minister Australia has ever seen.

Dr Ian Henderson

This trade deal makes Australia the laughing stock of the world. What is surprising is there were still a lot of Australians who actually expected the Coalition to dliver more. Talk about naive.

Richard Greville

Could you please explain why I am a Howard hater or anti-american simply because I don't agree that this deal is that great for Australia? Or I am anti-American/anti-Howard because I fail to to the party line?

well???

You're kidding aren't you Rusty? Greatest Prime Minister in history??? Never before has this country been so divided and never before was it even considered that a terrorist might attack us here. This government has built it's success on lies and deceit and making people scared and gullible people like you have fallen for it. It's all just a big lie.

As for the trade agreement, the only reason it's been pushed through at the last minute was because John Howard couldn't bare to see all his arse licking result in no FTA. It was, after all, the only reason he committed our troops to Iraq. The only reason he's sold the farmers short is to cover his own backside. A stronger man would have stood firm and said no FTA until sugar, dairy and beef are included.

I think you need to read a bit more.

Rob

If Australian agricultural consumer markets become anything like those in the U.S, it means more expensive fruits and vegetables (dominated by huge monopolies), a plethora of cheap, processed foods (also dominated by huge monopolies) and far less choice. At the same time, I am looking forward to lower tariffs on electrical and whitegood items. Of course, while the Australian government will eliminate the tariff on these items so as not offend the bug US corps which employ the Australian elite as financial/tax/legal consultants, it will probably still slap a huge tax on them so the masses don't get too cocky.

Miriam Seshadri

It is obvious that the removal of manufactured goods trade barriers will act both ways. The manufacturing lobby seems to consider that with the FTA we wiill just export huge cargoes in to the US. Do they realise that they will as a result of the FTA be obliged to compete with cheap imports from the US and Mexico?

Dr Ian Henderson

Smaller economies will always be losers in free trade agreements. This deal was being promoted by the Libs as a huge opportunity for Australian agriculture. No sugar and an 18 year phase in for beef and dairy. Great job Mr Howard! This is hard core fantasy. How can it possibly be touted as a big win? John Anderson will love you for this - you just slit his electoral throat. I have heard that by way of thankyou, the US is sending a container load of tin deputy sheriff stars, some glass beads and army surplus blankets. However, it is refreshing to see con artists being conned.